Breaking News
No subsidy cuts planned despite soaring petroleum costs linked to West Asia conflict
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — More than 3,500 medical officers left Malaysia’s public healthcare sector over
...Melaka PKR urges calm, seeks consensus on nominated assemblymen issue
MELAKA, July 15 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) Melaka has urged all parties to not make hasty
...Tunku Zain named new Tunku Panglima Besar of Negeri Sembilan
KUALA PILAH, June 10 — Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir today
...Politicians must watch their words, avoid misuse of free speech
KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today ordered all political
...Nga Kor Ming says Malaysia’s rise in trust rankings reflects growing confidence in the country
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Malaysia’s ranking as the seventh most trusted nation globally under the
...Selangor Sultan calls for continued focus on rakyat’s well-being amid global crisis
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has called on
...
Malaysian Hindus embrace sacred traditions as Deepavali brings light and prosperity Monday
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — Hindus in Malaysia and around the world will celebrate Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, on Monday (Oct 20), marking the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Malaysia Hindudharma Maamandram president A. Radhakrishnan explained that the festival, derived from the Tamil words Deepam (lamp) and Awali (array), represents the dispelling of ignorance and the pursuit of inner enlightenment.
“In Hindu belief, the divine presence or Paramathma resides in the lamp, while the flame symbolises the soul or Jeevathma. Together, they bless devotees with spiritual energy and positivity.
“One must discard arrogance, jealousy and ego – forms of darkness within – to be led from darkness to light, the true meaning of Deepavali,” he told Bernama.
Radhakrishnan said preparations for the festival begin a day earlier with prayers to the Kula Deivam (clan deity), lighting lamps to honour ancestors, and cleaning and decorating homes to welcome Goddess Mahalakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
On Deepavali morning, devotees perform the Ganga Snanam (holy oil bath) at dawn, a sacred ritual symbolising the cleansing of body and soul.
“The auspicious time, known as Brahma Muhurtham, ends one hour and 36 minutes before sunrise, which falls at 6.56 am in Kuala Lumpur. Therefore, the Ganga Snanam should be performed by 5.20 am,” he said.
Adding to traditions, Radhakrishnan said family members apply gingelly (sesame) oil on their heads before bathing, as it is believed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi and Ganga Devi, bringing prosperity and peace to the household.
“After the bath, devotees don new clothes, and offer sweets and fruits to Lord Krishna or place them before a Poorna Kumbam for blessings. Children then seek the blessings of their parents and elders before changing into festive attire,” he said.
Malaysian Hindu Sangam president T. Ganesan, meanwhile, advised devotees to take the traditional oil bath between 5.45 am and 7 am, based on local sunrise time, noting that the ritual before sunrise bestows long life, good health and spiritual bliss.
He also urged Hindus to celebrate the festival peacefully and meaningfully by refraining from consuming alcohol, gambling or setting off loud firecrackers.
“Deepavali should be observed with peace, cleanliness and spiritual enlightenment. It is a time to foster happiness, harmony and unity within our families and communities,” he said, extending festive greetings to all Hindus.
